Method and apparatus for a card-type game having a mandatory second wager

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a card-type game in which a player is required to make a second wager for eligibility to win a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, in addition to the first wager that the player must make for eligibility to win a first jackpot. The jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is structured so that it grows from game to game until won. In one embodiment, a player is permitted to request a partial refund of the second wager, after receiving at least one additional card. Such a refund request will either disqualify the player from eligibility for the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, or at least reduce the amount of that jackpot payable to that player. In one embodiment, a player is permitted to increase the amount of the second wager, after receiving at least one additional card. Such an increase will increase the amount of the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table payable to the player if a predetermined qualifying hand is achieved.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for card-type games, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for a card-type game having a second bet qualifying a player for a jackpot payment according to a second pay table that is allowed to grow from game to game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Card-type games may be played live at a table, or in an electronic version at a gaming machine. In the typical game, the player makes a single wager, or a series of wagers, to qualify for a single jackpot according to a pay table.

[0003] In a live casino table game, it is known to provide players with the option a placing a second wager, qualifying the player for a jackpot according to a second pay table, where the jackpot can carry over from game-to-game. U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,895 is an example of such a method.

[0004] However, there are several drawbacks with the method disclosed in the '895 Patent. For example, by making the second wager optional, the level of player participation may not become sufficiently high to generate the kinds of large jackpots that generate player excitement. Thus, if player participation remains low, the jackpot payments according to the second pay table remain low, dissuading other players from participating. Unless this cycle can be broken, players will not be motivated to make a second wager and pursue jackpots on the second pay table.

[0005] In addition, the method of the '895 Patent does not permit a player to recoup a portion of his or her secondary bet, in the event the player's hand appears not to be developing well. Conversely, the method of the '895 Patent does not allow a player to increase his or her secondary bet and potentially the amount of the jackpot payable to the winning player according to the second pay table, if the hand appears to be developing well and the chances of achieving a hand qualifying the player for a secondary jackpot appear to be higher.

[0006] A need therefore existed for a method and apparatus for a card-type game, having a mandatory second-wager qualifying players for a jackpot payable to the player according to a second play table, distinct from the primary pay table used in the play of the game. Preferably, the method and apparatus should permit players to recoup a portion of the secondary wager, after additional cards are dealt. Still further, preferably, the method and apparatus should permit players to increase the secondary wager, again after additional cards are dealt.

[0007] The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a card-type game having a mandatory second wager qualifying a player for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, wherein the jackpot(s) payable pursuant to the second pay table is able to grow from game to game when not won.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a card-type game having a mandatory second wager qualifying a player for a jackpot pursuant to a second pay table, wherein a player is presented with the option of reducing the amount of the second wager after receiving at least one additional card.

[0010] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a card-type game having a mandatory second wager qualifying a player for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, wherein a player is presented with the option of increasing the amount of the second wager after receiving at least one additional card.

[0011] It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a card-type game having a voluntary second wager qualifying a player for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, where the second wager is made prior to a player's viewing of cards and where the player may obtain a partial refund of the second wager after viewing at least one card.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a card-type game having a voluntary second wager qualifying a player for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, where the second wager is made after a player has viewed at least one card.

[0013] It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for a card-type game a mandatory primary wager, and where the player may surrender and obtain a partial refund of the primary wager after viewing at least one card.

[0014] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for playing a card-type game is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; mandating placement of a second wager to qualify for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; wherein qualification for the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is achieved by a player achieving a predetermined hand; and initiating play of a first game of a card-type game.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a card-type game apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises, in combination: means for mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; means for mandating placement of a second wager to qualify for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; wherein qualification for the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is achieved by a player achieving a predetermined hand; and means for initiating play of a first game of a card-type game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a top view of a gaming table, of a configuration commonly seen in the play of Twenty-One, upon which a game consistent with the present invention may be played.

[0018]FIG. 2 is a top view of a gaming table, of a configuration commonly seen in the play of poker-type games, upon which a game consistent with the present invention may be played.

[0019]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a video-terminal, upon which a game consistent with the present invention may be played.

[0020]FIG. 4 is a flow chart, illustrating a method of play consistent with the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 5 is a flow chart, illustrating another method of play consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 is a flow chart, illustrating another method of play consistent with still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 is a flow chart, illustrating a method of play consistent with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 is a flow chart, illustrating another method of play consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 9 is a flow chart, illustrating another method of play consistent with still another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Referring first to FIG. 4, the basic method of play of the game of the present invention is illustrated, As will be illustrated in greater detail below, that game may be played live on a gaming table 10 (FIG. 1), gaming table 12 (FIG. 2), or video gaming apparatus 14 (FIG. 3).

[0027] First, it should be noted that the method and apparatus of the present invention can be applied to essentially any card-type game where wagering is possible. This would include Twenty-One and poker (including three card poker, five card poker, seven card poker, Caribbean Stud poker, etc.). In a live setting, Twenty-One is often played on a gaming table 10 of the type shown in FIG. 1, with a dealer (labelled) dealing cards to each play location 18 in front of each participating player. Poker-type games are commonly played, in a live-setting, at a gaming table 12 having a configuration like that shown in FIG. 2. In this configuration, and in contrast to that shown in FIG. 1, play locations 20 are generally located on all sides of the gaming table 12.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3, a video gaming apparatus 14 of a type upon which a game consistent with the present invention may be played is shown. FIG. 3 depicts a gaming apparatus 14 having five display areas 22, each adapted to display a single card. It should be recognized that the gaming apparatus 14 could have a larger or small number of display areas 22, as desired.

[0029] Below each display area 22 is a hold button 24. Typically, after receiving an initial draw of five cards, a player decides which cards to hold by depressing the corresponding hold button 24. The player then depresses a draw button 26, causing the cards that were not held to be replaced.

[0030] Whether the game is to be played live or on a gaming apparatus 14, prior to the commencement of play, each player will make a first wager to be eligible for a first jackpot. In a live game of poker played, for example, on a gaming table 10 or gaming table 12 and involving a dealer and a plurality of players, the first wager is intended to qualify the player to win a jackpot consisting of all of the wagers of all of the players. (Of course, it should be recognized that in the typical poker game, players will make additional wagers, following the first wager, that will also become part of that same jackpot.) In a live game of Twenty-One, the player would be engaged in a one-on-one game with the dealer, typically to win the amount wagered.

[0031] Where the card-type game is being played on a video gaming apparatus 14, the first wager qualifies a player for a jackpot amount that will generally be determined by reference to a pay table 28 located on the video gaming apparatus 14. For example, in a game of five-card poker, the pay table would establish differing payout amounts for hands ranging from a pair of jacks to a royal flush.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, a player will also make a second, mandatory wager. The second wager qualifies a player for a payout according to a second pay table. A player earns such a jackpot by achieving a pre-designated hand listed on the second pay table, which will be displayed so as to be visible to the player, either on or near the video gaming apparatus 14. For example, the pre-designated hand(s) might be one or more than one of a royal flush, a straight, four Aces, or any other desired combination taking into account the nature of the game being played. Generally, it will be preferred to designate a hand (or hands) that is difficult to attain, and that is especially valued.

[0033] The jackpots amounts on the second pay table may be fixed. However, alternatively, because qualification for a jackpot on the second pay table should require that a player receive a difficult-to-achieve hand, it will be expected that such hand(s) will not be achieved every game. This permits at least a portion of the second wager to be carried over to subsequent games, so that the payout amount(s) on the second pay table will grow until won. This has the effect of increasing player excitement. In such instance, the pay table may be run on a progressive meter, as is done with Caribbean Stud.

[0034] It should be recognized that the amount of the second wager can be fixed, or variable. If the amount of the second wager is variable, it will be expected that the payout amount according to the second pay table will also vary. For example, if the minimum required second wager is $1, and a player wagers $2, the increased wager should entitle the player to an increased payout amount, for example double the basic payout amount.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the method of play of a game consistent with the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the player places the first wager and mandatory second wager as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. However, after placing the second wager and after receiving at least one additional card, a player has the opportunity to assess his or her chances of achieving a hand listed on the second pay table. If the player believes that his or her chances are not sufficiently strong, the player can request the return of a portion, for example one-half, of the second wager.

[0036] Preferably, by requesting a return of a portion of the second wager, the player becomes disqualified from eligibility for a payout from the second pay table. Alternatively, the request of a return could have the effect of reducing the amount to which the player would be entitled upon achieving a hand on the second pay table. Thus, for example, if the player requests the return of one-half of the second wager, the player's achievement of a hand on the second pay table might entitle the player to only one-half of the payout amount to which the player would have been entitled had the refund not be requested.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 6, yet another embodiment of the method of play of a game consistent with the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment as well, the player places the first wager and mandatory second wager as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, after placing the second wager and after receiving at least one additional card, a player has the opportunity to assess his or her chances of achieving a hand listed on the second pay table. If the player believes that his or her chances are particularly strong, the player can increase the amount of the second wager.

[0038] By increasing the amount of the second wager, the player will qualify for an increased payout in the event of achievement of a hand on the second pay table. For example, doubling of the second wager could have the affect of doubling the payout amount, though other relationships between the amount of increased wager and increased payout are certainly also possible.

[0039] It should be recognized that it would be possible to practice a game having the steps shown in FIG. 4, though not those in FIGS. 5 or 6. Alternatively, it would be possible to practice a game having the steps shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, though not in FIG. 6. Still further, it would be possible to practice a game having the steps shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, though not in FIG. 5.

[0040] When the method of the present invention is practiced in a live setting, for example at a gaming table 10 or 12 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a dealer will supervise the collection, refund, and increases of second wagers. However, because of the roll-over feature of the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table, it may be necessary for the dealer to be assisted by a computational device that will track and display the amount(s) of the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table.

[0041] When the method of the present invention is practiced on a gaming apparatus 14, it should be recognized that the gaming apparatus 14 will be programmed to collect the second wager, to permit the partial refund, permit the wager increase, to determine the player disqualification from or an increase in entitlement to the jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table in the event of a refund or increase, and to determine if a pre-determined hand has been achieved.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the player places the first wager and then, prior to viewing any cards, may place a voluntary second wager as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. However, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, after placing the second wager and after receiving at least one additional card, a player has the opportunity to assess his or her chances of achieving a hand listed on the second pay table. If the player believes that his or her chances are not sufficiently strong, the player can request the return of a portion, for example one-half, of the second wager.

[0043] Preferably, and as illustrated in FIG. 7, by requesting a return of a portion of the second wager, the player becomes disqualified from eligibility for a payout from the second pay table. (It should be noted that, alternatively, the request of a return could have the effect of reducing the amount to which the player would be entitled upon achieving a hand on the second pay table. Thus, for example, if the player requests the return of one-half of the second wager, the player's achievement of a hand on the second pay table might entitle the player to only one-half of the payout amount to which the player would have been entitled had the refund not be requested.)

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the player is permitted to look at at least one card before deciding whether to make a voluntary, second wager. The second wager qualifies a player for a payout according to a second pay table.

[0045] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a player makes a first wager, and then receives cards. After receiving and viewing at least one card, the player is permitting to surrender, ending his or her participation in the game. The player then receives a partial refund of the primary wager.

[0046] While the invention has been illustrated with respect to several specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments should be considered as illustrative rather than limiting. Various modifications and additions may be made and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by the foregoing description, but rather should be defined only by the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for playing a card-type game comprising the steps of: mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; mandating placement of a second wager to qualify for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; wherein qualification for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is achieved by a player achieving a predetermined hand; and initiating play of a first game of a card-type game.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of; a player qualifying for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table by achieving said predetermined hand; and said player qualifying for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table receiving at least a portion of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: no player qualifying for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table at a conclusion of said first game; and rolling an amount of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table from said first game into a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table for a second game of said card-type game.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to request return of a portion of said second wager.
 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the steps of: said player requesting a return of said portion of said second wager; disqualifying said player from eligibility for winning said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to increase an amount of said second wager; and if said player increases said amount of said wager, increasing an amount of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table that said player shall receive in the event that said player achieves said predetermined hand, as compared to an amount that said player would have received from said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table had said player not increased said amount of said second wager.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of. permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to request return of a portion of said second wager; permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to increase an amount of said second wager; if said player requests a return of said portion of said second wager, disqualifying said player from eligibility for winning said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; and if said player increases said amount of said wager, increasing an amount of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table that said player shall receive in the event that said player achieves said predetermined hand, as compared to an amount that said player would have received from said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table had said player not increased said amount of said second wager.
 8. A method for playing a card-type game comprising the steps of: mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; a player making said first wager; initiating play of a first game of a card-type game; said player viewing at least one card utilized in said card-type game; said player surrendering; said player receiving a partial refund of said first wager.
 9. A method for playing a card-type game comprising the steps of: mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; permitting placement of a second wager to qualify for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; wherein qualification for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is achieved by a player achieving a predetermined hand; initiating play of a first game of a card-type game; said player making said second wager prior to viewing any of said player's cards; permitting a player, after receipt and viewing of at least one card, to request return of a portion of said second wager.
 10. A method for playing a card-type game comprising the steps of: mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; permitting placement of a second wager to qualify for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; wherein qualification for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is achieved by a player achieving a predetermined hand; initiating play of a first game of a card-type game; said player making said second wager after receipt and viewing of at least one card.
 11. A card-type game apparatus comprising, in combination: means for mandating placement of a first wager to qualify for a first jackpot; means for mandating placement of a second wager to qualify for a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; wherein qualification for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table is achieved by a player achieving a predetermined hand; and means for initiating play of a first game of a card-type game.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: means for determining if a player has qualified for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table by achieving said predetermined hand.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: means for rolling an amount of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table from said first game into a jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table for a second game of said card-type game when no player qualifies for said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table at a conclusion of said first game.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising means for permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to request return of a portion of said second wager.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 further comprising means for disqualifying a player requesting a return of said portion of said second wager from eligibility for winning said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: means for permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to increase an amount of said second wager; and means for increasing an amount of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table that said player shall receive, if said player increases said amount of said wager, in the event that said player achieves said predetermined hand, as compared to an amount that said player would have received from said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table had said player not increased said amount of said second wager.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: means for permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to request return of a portion of said second wager means for permitting a player, after receipt of at least one card, to increase an amount of said second wager; means for disqualifying a player requesting a return of said portion of said second wager from eligibility for winning said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table; and means for increasing an amount of said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table that said player shall receive, if said player increases said amount of said wager, in the event that said player achieves said predetermined hand, as compared to an amount that said player would have received from said jackpot payable pursuant to a second pay table had said player not increased said amount of said second wager. 